We’re so excited to announce that West Virginia natives Melody Pittman and Angie Richards have just finished their joint project: “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die”! This is an inspiring guidebook for West Virginians or those passing through, full of recommendations on the best places to visit, the most interesting attractions and activities, plus insider tips for getting the most out of your West Virginia travels.
A WV Book Tour
To celebrate the book’s release, Melody and Angie are embarking on a book signing tour this spring, with scheduled events around West Virginia from April through August. So, mark your calendars West Virginia adventurers – you won’t want to miss their exciting journey!
In the coming months, be sure to follow the hashtag “#100ThingsWV” to keep up with their journey and all the amazing West Virginia destinations they’ll be exploring. You can also follow the FB page of the same name, 100ThingsWV.
You will also find a list of book signing events there; we would love for you to come say hello in person. Let’s chat about 100 Things WV.
100 Things WV Book Synopsis
The beautiful state of West Virginia has many nicknames dedicated to her natural beauty. Whether you know the state of West Virginia as “Wild and Wonderful,” “Almost Heaven,” or “the Mountain State,” there is no better way to experience all the natural beauty here than to load up the car and immerse yourself in its wonder.
100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die, shortened to “100 Things WV” gives ideas for seeing the best of the Mountain State, with insider tips sharing fun facts and recommendations.
With carefully crafted itineraries for the whole family, visitors and locals alike will be ready to traverse the state like a true mountaineer.
Take the back roads and discover the smallest church in the continental US, built before Hawaii and Alaska entered statehood, its white steeple standing out amongst picturesque scenery. Visit the most powerful and largest steerable radio telescope in the world, nestled in the middle of a national forest.
Breathe in fresh mountain air and hike through some of the prettiest scenic vistas you will find anywhere, especially along the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, named after that famous family feud.
Learn about the importance of the coal mine and glass industries and how local African Americans played a big part in World War I. West Virginia has it all, with everything from rich culture to beautiful architecture to iconic eateries.
About the Authors
West Virginia-born-and-raised professional travel writer Melody Pittman and lifelong resident and seasoned WV traveler Angie Richards invite you to explore the places they’ve curated through memorable trips of their own.
They wrote this book to dazzle you with the beauty of “Almost Heaven, West Virginia,” up your history knowledge, fill your taste buds with delicious bites, and introduce you to new, exciting WV finds.
To quote this line from the book itself, “With the current Appalachia movement, where things we West Virginians have known and loved for years are gaining popularity (ATV trails, whitewater rafting, Mothman, stargazing, farm-to-table dining, and bluegrass music), it makes me so happy for West Virginia’s perfect position in tourism,” fills me with pride and excitement for what lies ahead with this book release.
Do you listen to podcasts? Check out my newest endeavor, 100 Things WV, available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Please, follow or subscribe to the channel.
Listen to “Introducing 100 Things WV Podcast” on Spreaker.
What Topics Are Included?
As mentioned above, the “100 Things” series is a national book series, so the categories and topics pretty much stay the same in each book. They include:
- Food and Drink
- Music and Entertainment
- Sports and Recreation
- Culture and History
- Shopping
Because West Virginia is one-of-a-kind, and has many great offering that don’t fit into those fields, we came up with a Uniquely West Virginia part of the book that fits like a glove!
There is even a section of 100 Things WV with suggested itineraries, such as for foodies, history buffs, and thrill seekers coming to West Virginia.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when we offer personal tips or “did you know?” details.
Country Roads, Take Me Home
We hope you can’t wait to get our hands on this incredible book! Whether you’re a West Virginia native or just visiting, “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” will surely be an invaluable guide to discovering West Virginia’s hidden gems.
Join Melody and Angie on their West Virginia adventure, and experience the beauty of the Mountain State for yourself! The book is set to be released in spring 2023 – stay tuned for more details! You can preorder the book through Reedy Press at this 100ThingsWV link.